Thursday, 20 October 2011

Simply put, Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise. From cheap, quirky finds, carefully curated one-of-a-kind items, the latest collections from the world's top brands to discounted designer merchandise, Hong Kong pretty much has it all.

Here's a look at some of my go-to places when I'm in town.

By now you all know how much I love A.P.C., so it's always the first stop whenever I'm in Hong Kong. When I was there in April 2011, the staff was feeling extra nice and they gave me a 10 per cent discount! It may not be a lot, but it was still a very nice gesture.

But when I was there about three weeks ago, the boutique on Paterson Street in Causeway Bay was being renovated. I was devastated. But there's always a next time.

When you find yourself in Nathan Road, head to the mall called The One. It houses boutiques such as Beams, Beauty & Youth by United Arrows and Journal Standard. Stock up on clothes, shoes and accessories that are big in Japan.

Check out the awesome collaboration between I.T. and Mark McNairy. Beautiful, isn't it?

If you want great deals on designer duds, visit Horizon Plaza, which houses high-end department store outlets like Joyce and Lane Crawford (where I scored a leather Comme Des Garcons travel bag at 90 per cent off!), as well as I.T., Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren and more. You need to be patient though as you'll have to sift through racks and piles of clothes, shoes and accessories before finding a hidden gem. And once you find it, don't let it go.

Citygate Outlets is another must-visit place if you want to score designer items on discount. From Club Monaco, Calvin Klein Underwear, Jack Spade (where I picked up a leather passport holder/wallet) and a gigantic Ralph Lauren shop (I scored a beautiful bengal stripe shirt), you'll surely be spoiled for choice. I don't think anyone can leave this place empty-handed.

Saturday, 15 October 2011

For some people, the idea of a perfect getaway would be somewhere quiet like a secluded beach. Well, not me. Rather than going for R&R somewhere tranquil with hardly anyone around, I opt for vibrant cities where there's always something going on. Hong Kong has always ranked high on my go-to scale because of the energy it radiates; the buzz of the people on the streets; the neon lights that illuminate the dreariest of nights.

Here's a pictorial entry on one of my favourite places on earth, celebrating the sights and spectacles Hong Kong has to offer.

The Airport Express is where my trip begins. This service connects the airport to key parts of Hong Kong such as Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong

Working your way around the city is made easy by the subway, or more commonly known as the MTR. There's a certain rush I get every time I descend to this subterranean wonderland. The ads adorning the walls, fashionable folks whizzing by you, the colourful tiled walls - these are the things that never fail to leave me in awe.

One of the best things about Hong Kong are the hidden neighbourhoods. Break away from the main shopping drags and numerous malls and you'll find specialty boutiques, quaint cafes and a whole lot of character. Such is the case with St. Francis Street in the Wan Chai area. Make your way up this steep road and you'll be greeted by...

From the Monocle shop, walk further down and you'll see F.I.L. Visvim fans, rejoice! The beautiful structure and space perfectly complements the apparel from the famous Japanese label.

The fun doesn't end at F.I.L. Turn right and you'll find a small alley that will lead you to Sun Street, where the amazing specialty store Ka-pok is. If you're looking for Uniform Wares watches, Mismo bags, Astier de Villatte perfume or Mizensir candles, this is the place to go. They also have a little cafe where you can order a delicious cuppa.

Tuesday, 4 October 2011

I just came back from a weekend trip to Hong Kong. Of course, the vacation wouldn't be complete without visiting the Monocle shop. Here's a closer look inside, as well as some of the items currently available.

As you enter the store, the section on the left showcases some of the latest Monocle collaborations with clothing brands like Loopwheeler, Kitsune and FilMelange. The shelves on top are dotted with a variety of items like CDs, books, decor, the BlackBerry x Monocle phone and past issues of the magazine.

To keep your footsies warm while on the plane, check out the colourful socks from the Tabio x Monocle collab. They come in an assortment of colour combinations and two sizes, small and large.

Over on the right side, you'll find the famous Porter x Monocle bags, perfect for business travel or solo sojourns. You can also find other items like leather travel slippers, Brooklyn leather wristbands, Comme Des Garcons fragrances and candles, passport holders, business card cases and an assortment of finely crafted stationery.

While the shop is small, they've managed to maximize the space. In this photo, you'll see various issues of the magazine displayed on the steps.

Framed posters that will liven up any bare wall.

A duffle bag of wooden blocks, anyone?

A cozy lounge area further inside. Here, you can sit down for a chat with the shop staff or place your shopping bags so you can check out the shop with both hands free.